LETTER

Crosswalks in Aylmer, a response 

 

I sympathize with the letter-writer who highlighted the crosswalk problem as it relates to seniors who use Wilfred Lavigne to reach our main shopping centre safely. In this regard, pressure from the Galeries Aylmer merchants and management should be employed to stir action since they count on these patrons to shop at their stores and supermarket.  Indeed, our trio of municipal councillors all carry responsibility for pedestrian safety as well as the welfare of seniors.

 

In fact, Ms. Lacasse was fully briefed by several seniors during a church luncheon last spring where she had been invited to field questions from attendees and she declared she would follow up. 

 

In addition, the shopping centre administration should create a stairway between the Super C and the IGA parking lots rather than expecting customers to clamber up and down the steep incline to reach these businesses and possibly fall or twist an ankle.

 

Our municipality became an accredited senior-friendly city last year. In this regard, the Seniors Committee as well as the Safety Committee must be presented with the facts and take remedial action. 

 

Pedestrian safety is and has been a hot topic for some time. There have been many stories in many editions in the Bulletin. I, for one, have written many times during the last four years about the lack of safety at crosswalks on Vanier Road. Recently, within a single week two STO bus drivers who had ample time to yield to me, a regular walker, flew by me without acknowledging my presence. Indeed, few drivers respect my right of way as a pedestrian.  

 

Pedestrian safety in our community is not a priority.  Clearly, those responsible for it must undertake this major issue by taking timely action.

 

Pamela Carson

Aylmer